Winchester couple accused of having disabled 12-year-old living in feces-covered bedroom

By WKYT News Staff&nbsp|&nbsp

Posted: Thu 12:00 PM, Dec 27, 2018&nbsp|&nbsp

Updated: Thu 6:54 PM, Dec 27, 2018

WINCHESTER, Ky. (WKYT) - A Winchester couple was arrested Saturday after an officer discovered horrible living conditions for their 12-year-old disabled son.

A Winchester police arrest report says an officer went to a home on 9 Sylvania Avenue to serve a bench warrant. The officer didn't find anyone inside the home but could notice feces and trash on the floor and kitchen counters when looking through a window.

The officer went into the home to check on the welfare of anyone possibly inside after no one answered. Neighbors hadn't seen the couple who lives there in days. Police learned the people who live in the home were 43-year-old Melissa Baker and 47-year-old Jason Baker.

Police were able to call the couple who lives in the home and arranged a meeting at police headquarters. The couple would tell officers they lived in the home with their 12-year-old son who has Chorea disease. The couple also gave officers consent to search the home and call social services.

The report says living conditions were extremely unsanitary, as there were hundreds of flies on fly traps along with other bugs on the floor. Officers found dirty dishes and moldy water throughout the house as well. Four cats and a dog lived in the home, and animal excrement was spotted everywhere. The entire home couldn't be searched because of the extent of the poor living conditions.

The child's bedroom was bug-infested, and the floor was full of trash including used toilet paper. The officer also said there was no bedding for the child. There was also no food in the refrigerator.

Both were charged with first-degree criminal abuse of a child 12 or under. Jail record do not indicate either are still in the Clark County Detention Center.

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